MS Resource Network

How Do We Engage the 21st C. Student?

Purpose

The Lovett Middle School is developing its vision for education in the 21st century. The technological advances and advent of a read/write web bring digitally wired students and potentially great distractions. How can we harness this generation's passion for the social connection and desire to interact with the need to build their creativity, communication, and critical thinking skills? How do we use the tools to help them make connections beyond the classroom? How do we engage them, keep them reading and digging deeper for meaning in a world of information abundance and multi-tasking? How do we empower them to navigate this shifted society and take ownership of their learning?

To address these questions we must be willing to rethink our pedagogy and engage in the what is being called "the shift". The MS Resource Network will serve as a hub for the thinking, visioning, and best practices which will enable our classrooms to evolve and become a more relevant learning environment for 21st century students.

What is the MS Resource Network?

The MS Resource Network is being developed under the guidance of Laura Deisley, but its richness will depend on the participation of the MS faculty and technology specialists. It is a collaborative and dynamic effort with the following components:

A Blog

On at least a weekly basis various "authors" will present ideas, best practices, or questions on the MS Resource Blog. These authors will include Laura Deisley, Owen Matthews, or a faculty member or administrator. It is hoped these blog posts will be a forum for conversation and active faculty participation using the comment feature associated with each blog post. If you are not familiar with blogs or with setting up an RSS reader to subscribe (or email notification settings), please contact Laura Deisley, Owen Matthews, or Lance Oubs for assistance.

A Wiki

A wiki is an editable web site which enables multiple authors and editors to share information and develop resources. On the home page of the MS Resource wiki we will rotate project-based, 21st century learning examples that are underway in our Middle School. Please use the navigation bar on the left hand side of the page to see all our learning resources, as well as search for information by particular project tools (including video tutorials on tools) and by subject area application.

The Lovett MS faculty is encouraged to contribute to the resources on the Pages of this wiki, as well as ask questions and discuss ideas using the Discussion Tabs. In order to edit and not just view these pages you will need to join Wikispaces and join this wiki. Instructions for doing so are posted under the Help Link on the navigation bar. Also please feel free to contact Laura Deisley, Owen Matthews, or Lance Oubs for assistance.

F2F

Digital spaces like wikis and blogs provide 24/7 access to information and the ability to converse asynchronously. However, there is tremendous and irreplaceable value in face to face conversations. First, as you read and consider projects developed by fellow faculty members, reach out and inquire directly about their experience! Let them share with you and brainstorm how what they did might be applicable to your particular objective. Second, we will structure and announce regular faculty workshops to explore particular tools and most importantly the influence these tools can have in developing a rich, engaging learning environment. Finally, please contact Laura Deisley and she will arrange a consultation to include Owen Matthews or Lance Oubs to help you brainstorm how you might make these shifts in your classroom.